You’ve set up the tent, the camp chairs are surrounding the fire pit, and you’re officially on vacation mode at the campsite. It’s almost time for dinner, and the choice is obvious: it’s time to grill! Outdoor grilling is a quintessential backyard summer activity. It is also a perfect choice for all types of camping trips. Grilling food can be as simple or complex as you want it to be, and is perfect for meats, fish, or vegetables. This outdoor cooking method requires minimal clean up, which makes it our go-to for camping meals. Read on to learn about how to grill to perfection on your next camping trip.
Choose Your Camping Grill
When choosing the right portable grill for your camping trips, there are two main features to consider: size and weight. Your grill will be hauled in and out of your vehicle if you’re car or RV camping, so you will want to choose a grill that is compact and lightweight.
If you’re looking for an option that can be brought to any grilling opportunity, like tailgates or backyard BBQs, we love the Big Green Egg’s MiniMax BGE and its accompanying accessories. This model can stand on a picnic table on its own, but with the addition of the Portable Nest, has legs that make it the perfect height for you to comfortably stand while outdoor grilling.
If you’re looking for something that adds a level of luxury to your camping trip, the Traeger Ranger Portable Grill can’t be beat. This portable grill comes with a digital controller that lets you precisely control the temperature. It also has a keep warm setting in case some campers are still lounging at the beach when dinner is ready.
Must-Have Campsite Accessories
Your outdoor grilling set up won’t be complete without additional tools to get the job done. Every outdoor chef needs the perfect grilling set up, and our must-haves include:
- Your everyday grilling toolkit: tongs, spatulas, and meat thermometer
- Our personal favourite, the cast iron skillet: A cast iron skillet can be used on a grill or over an open flame, which makes this the perfect addition to your campsite.
- Don’t forget the grill brush: When it comes to keeping your grill in top shape, a nylon bristle brush, like this Traeger BBQ Cleaning Brush, lets you safely clean your grill grates without causing damage.
While camping may be about roughing it, we still love adding ambiance by adding a checkered tablecloth to your picnic table and candles. We also suggest adding citronella candles to keep mosquitoes at bay!
Get Campsite Grilling
With your dream campsite kitchen set-up complete, it’s time to get grilling. Steaks and burgers are classic grilling meals that are perfect for every campsite. Steak can be one of the more simple campsite meals to make because all you need is the steak, butter, salt, and pepper. We also love a homemade burger for the grill, because you can prep your patties at home and pack them in the cooler for an easy and quick campsite meal. Don’t forget to toast your buns on the grill too!
No camping meal is complete without some delicious grilled veggies. Pre-chop your preferred veggies at home, toss them in oil and your favourite seasonings, such as garlic, and wrap them in tin foil. When you get grilling at your site, preheat the grill to 400°F and toss them still wrapped in the tin foil on the grill. Let sit for 4 minutes on one side, flip, and let sit for another 4 minutes on the grill. Remove carefully and enjoy!
Grilling Clean Up Time
To make clean-up a breeze, use disposable drip trays. These will catch runoff and extra oil and will help keep your grill free from grease. You should always stock tin foil to reduce the need to clean grilling surfaces while at the campsite. Finally, you can’t forget paper towels. These are a must in a campers toolkit, as they can help you quickly deal with splatters and messes as you grill.
Sit Back and Relax
Outdoor grilling at a campsite can be a fun, easy, and delicious way to connect with your family and friends while on a camping trip, especially if you have the right tools at your fingertips. After your grilled dinner, don’t forget to end the night with s’mores over the roaring campfire! Are you planning on spending lots of time with your family outside grilling this summer? Get comfortable with our best tips on grill and fire pit safety, so your summer can be fun and stress free.
If you’re ready to get the grill out on your camping trips this summer, visit our showrooms in Scarborough, Ajax, Whitby, or Toronto to view all our portable grills and accessories.
